McCain Global Leaders: FAQs
Have a question about the McCain Global Leaders program? Please take a look at these commonly asked questions and our responses. If you can’t find your answer here, please email [email protected] and we will get you a response as soon as possible.
Applicants should be mid to senior- career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program. Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities. Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.
Participants should have at least 5 years or more of career experience. There is no specific age requirement, however, typical MGLs range from 25 to 45 years old. Past participants have come from a variety of sectors. They have included members of parliament, government ministers, journalists, medical doctors, activists, NGO leaders or managers or academics.
The McCain Institute selects target sectors and issues that are specific to each program year. Applicants from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The key criteria for acceptance into the program are leadership capacity and vision, a commitment to serving a cause greater than oneself, and fulfillment of all other eligibility requirements.
On an annual basis, the McCain Institute will select thematic areas of focus for each region of the world or a global theme. For 2024, the global theme will be Defending Democracy. Applicants should have a demonstrated record working with the global theme, but may came from any background or career path.
The application period is from January 2, 2024 through March 15, 2024 at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Applications must be received during this period in order to be considered.
The program is 12 months long and begins in June 2024 and runs through May 2025. Participants are expected to participate in all virtual and in-person programs for the entire program year.
MGLs are required to be present during all program modules that occur in-person and virtually. We anticipate a total of 25 days of in-person programming, spread out through three different travel experiences. We also anticipate having a 6-8 hour time commitment each month for virtual programs. There will be some work and reflection required outside of the in-person and virtual programs, but we are mindful of the fact that MGLs will be active professionals and we will make all efforts to ensure that the program can been done while maintaining an active professional and personal life.
MGLs must adhere to and sign a code of conduct. The code of conduct requires all MGLs and affiliates of the program to act with respect, character and professionalism throughout all correspondence, in-person programs and virtual programs.
MGLs are required to familiarize themselves with entry requirements for host countries. They will also need to obtain entry visas on their own and in a timely manner.
If MGLs violate the code of conduct or are not meeting the requirements of the program, they may be removed from the program at any time.
MGLs will be welcome to but not required to pursue individual or collaborative professional projects inspired by their participation in the program. The McCain Institute will offer support to help any projects or collaborations that participants create. Upon completion of the program, MGLs will be welcomed into an active and responsive alumni community.
Yes, participants will receive a stipend meant to cover incidental expenses incurred throughout the program. However the direct costs of participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, visas) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute. There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.
ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants should be mid-career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program. Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities. Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.
What is considered mid-career? Is there a specific age requirement?
Participants should have at least 5 years or more of career experience. There is no specific age requirement, however, typical MGLs range from 25 to 40 years old.
Do I have to be fluent in English?
Yes, applicants must be fluent in English. Leaders must be able to read and understand complex texts; give oral presentations in front of small and large audiences, and participate in in-depth discussions about complex topics.
Does the program accept students?
Although the McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University, the MGL program does not accept full-time students. The NGL program is designed for leader-practitioners who seek to implement a high-impact vision for leadership in their home environments.
Is the McCain Institute looking for individuals with a specific professional background or from a specific country?
The McCain Institute selects target sectors and issues that are specific to each program year. Applicants from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The key criteria for acceptance into the program are leadership capacity and vision, a commitment to serving a cause greater than oneself, and fulfillment of all other eligibility requirements.
On an annual basis, the McCain Institute will select thematic areas of focus for each region of the world. Please refer to the Program Overview page for information on this year’s thematic areas of focus. Applicants should have a demonstrated record working with their regional theme but may come from any background or career path.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
What is the application deadline?
The application period is from October 12, 2021 through December 31st, 2021 at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Applications must be received during this period in order to be considered.
When will I learn of the final decision on my application?
Final decisions will be sent to all applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, via email within 6-8 weeks following the close of the application window. The program cannot release information or talk about the status of your application on an individual basis before this time.
If I am not selected, may I solicit feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide feedback on individual applications due to the large number of applications. We receive a large number of applications for a limited number of slots every year. Not being selected is in no way a negative reflection on the accomplishments of our many highly skilled applicants and candidates who are unsuccessful in one year are encouraged to apply again in future years.
How many applicants will be selected?
25 total applicants will be selected for the program. The McCain Institute, in an effort to promote equity amongst regions and to have a diverse global cohort that is representative of a number of different backgrounds and cultures, will attempt to include five participants from each region of the world (Western Hemisphere, Europe/Eurasia, Africa, MENA, and Asia/Oceania). An additional five applicants, one from each region, will be selected as alternates for the program and would participate in the program if a selected applicant cannot participate in the program.
PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS
How long is the program? What are the start and end dates?
The program is 10 months long and begins in early February and runs through late October. Participants are expected to participate in all virtual and in-person programs for the entire program year. Please note that the program start and end dates may shift in 2022 due to ongoing COVID-19 global travel restrictions. Please refer to our Covid-19 policy here for more information.
What are the expectations of a MGL for the program year?
MGLs are required to be present during all program modules that occur in-person and virtually. We anticipate a total of 25 days of in-person programming, spread out through three different travel experiences. We also anticipate having a 2-4 hour time commitment each month for virtual programs. There will be some work and reflection required outside of the in-person and virtual programs, but we are mindful of the fact that MGLs will be active professionals and we will make all efforts to ensure that the program can been done while maintaining an active professional and personal life.
MGLs will be welcome to but not required to pursue individual or collaborative professional projects inspired by their participation in the program. The McCain Institute will offer support to help any projects or collaborations that participants create. Upon completion of the program, MGLs will be welcomed into an active and responsive alumni community.
Will I receive a stipend?
No, participants will not receive a stipend, but the direct costs of their participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, and meals and incidentals) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute. There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.
May I bring my family?
Unfortunately, family will not be permitted to travel during in-person programs. Those programs are specifically designed for the cohort and are meant to be an impactful and intensive opportunity to grow your professional global network, reflect on your own leadership journey and engage with your fellow cohort leaders.
DONOR QUESTIONS
How can I support the McCain Global Leaders Program?
We welcome new sponsors of our program and are very grateful for the support of our current donors. Please contact Anna Voloshin, the McCain Institute’s Senior Director for Development, at [email protected] to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
